2025, Apocalypse in the Tropics is poised to premiere on Netflix on July 14, 2025, following a limited theatrical release starting July 11, 2025 . Directed by Academy Award‑nominated Petra Costa (The Edge of Democracy), this 1 h 50 m documentary elevates questions about the fragility of democracy when faith crosses into governance.
What Is “Apocalypse in the Tropics” About?
At the heart of this documentary is the inquiry: “When does democracy end and theocracy begin?”. Costa weaves a decade’s worth of footage tracking evangelical Christianity’s political rise in Brazil, spotlighting the 2018 Jair Bolsonaro victory and profiling influential figures like televangelist Silas Malafaia, and presidents Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Major festivals selections include Venice (Aug 29, 2024), Telluride, New York, and others. Netflix acquired global rights in December 2024, setting up this timely mid‑July streaming debut.
Director Petra Costa’s Cinematic Approach
Petra Costa returns with her signature blend of lyrical visuals and investigative storytelling:
- Filmic Style: Juxtaposes sweeping drone shots of mass rallies with intimate, handheld glimpses of key figures.
- Narrative Voice: Costa offers measured, poetic narration—shifting from macro history to personal dilemma .
- Cinematic Legacy: Builds upon The Edge of Democracy to illuminate how religious fervor has reshaped Brazil’s political terrain.
Key Figures & Political Layering
- Silas Malafaia: Central evangelical figure influencing Bolsonaro’s policies—an eye-opening look at religious power in politics.
- Jair Bolsonaro: His presidency is shown as shaped and reinforced by evangelical alliances.
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva: Offers contrast with his inclusive, empathetic political style .
Critical Reception
- Rotten Tomatoes: Certified Fresh; praised as “lucid, poetic,” spotlighting the tension between epic political forces and intimate human realities .
- Metacritic: Score 77 — “Generally Favorable Reviews” .
- Review Highlights:
- “Shifting between the epic and the intimate … riveting” – Hollywood Reporter.
- “Pulse‑pounding documentary … gloriously cinematic” – The Playlist.
Why It Matters: A Global Parable
- Democratic fragility: Offers a mirror for global trends where populism and religious nationalism threaten democratic norms.
- Insight into evangelical politics: Exposes how faith becomes political leverage and the ethical dilemmas it poses.
- Universal relevance: While rooted in Brazil, its themes resonate with audiences watching democracies globally grapple with ideological revolutions .
Production & Credits Overview
- Director/Writer: Petra Costa
- Co-writers: Alessandra Orofino, David Barker, Nels Bangerter, Tina Baz.
- Producers: Petra Costa, Alessandra Orofino; Executive Producers include Brad Pitt’s Plan B, Impact Partners, Netflix Originals.
- Distributor: Netflix, with select theatrical screenings beginning July 11, 2025.
Conclusion — A Documentary for Our Time
Apocalypse in the Tropics is a compelling blend of journalism and cinema, offering urgent insights into how democracy can be reshaped and threatened by religious and political convergence. With Petra Costa’s evocative direction and strong critical acclaim, this film is set to become a defining documentary of 2025, with global relevance in an era of democratic uncertainty.